Some Kind of Hero

Synopsis

In 'Some Kind of Hero,' Richard Pryor delivers a memorable performance as Captain Paul P. Lewis, a former POW who returns home after years of captivity in a Vietnamese prison. Struggling to reintegrate into civilian life, he finds that his relationships have changed and his family is not the same as he left it. As he battles the challenges of adjusting to a world that moved on without him, Paul hilariously attempts to reclaim his place in society while navigating the complexities of love, friendship, and forgiveness. The film combines elements of comedy and drama, showcasing Pryor's exceptional ability to blend humor with poignant moments. Throughout his journey, Paul learns the value of self-identity and the strength of resilience, ultimately finding a new purpose in life. Some Kind of Hero captures the essence of human struggle and redemption through comedic escapades and heartfelt storytelling that resonates with audiences.

Cast

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  Richard Pryor

  Cpl. Eddie Keller / Ted Segal

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  Margot Kidder

  Toni Donovan

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  Ray Sharkey

  Sgt. Vinnie DiAngelo

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  Ronny Cox

  Col. Powers

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  Lynne Moody

  Lisa

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  Olivia Cole

  Jesse

Reviews

Some Kind of Hero received a mixed bag of reviews upon its release. With a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an IMDb score of 5.8/10, critics acknowledged both its strengths and weaknesses. The film was praised for Richard Pryor's engaging performance, which one reviewer from The New York Times described as 'electric, imbuing the character with warmth and humor that make him relatable.' However, the narrative faced criticism, with some saying it meandered and struggled to maintain a cohesive story. Metacritic users gave it a more favorable score of 68/100, indicating generally favorable reviews. CinemaScore highlighted that while the comedic elements landed well for some, others felt that the film did not fully deliver on its dramatic potential. Even as critics expressed disappointment with certain aspects of the screenplay, they did appreciate the film's attempts to tackle serious themes, ultimately resulting in a film that some audiences found likable but perhaps uneven. In retrospective reviews, 'Some Kind of Hero' continues to be appreciated for its candid exploration of a veteran's experience, enriching the film's legacy.